Woman with cerebral palsy speaks at transition fair

Published 1:31 pm, Wednesday, November 7, 2012

It's the little things in life, like learning to put hair in a ponytail and buying cowboy boots that fit over leg braces, that make it worth living for 21-year-old Samantha Sikes.

Living on her own, attending Midland College full-time and working 30 hours a week in the office at Trey Resources, is a full and tiring schedule, but the exact one Sikes wanted.

"Even though it's harder for me to do certain things, it can be done and will be done, it just may take a bit longer," said Sikes, who has cerebral palsy. "It took me a long time before I accepted myself for who I am, but now that I have, life is much easier."

Sikes was the keynote speaker at Wednesday's Region 18 Education Service Center student transition fair. The annual event exposes high school juniors and seniors with disabilities to colleges, technical/trade schools, integrated employment opportunities, community agencies, independent living and vocational training.

About 330 students, parents and teachers attended the event, which is one way school districts work to ensure all students with disabilities have a smooth transition from high school to college, said Donna Heiser, educational consultant with Region 18 ESC.

Students begin planning for life after graduation when they turn 14, and teachers work to set manageable and achievable goals for each student, Heiser said.

"We help them find their gifts, talents and passions and help them decide how they can use those to have a full life," Heiser said.

Sikes shared stories about growing up with cerebral palsy, living on her own and being an education advocate.

"Every day I wake up and I don't know what type of day it will be. Some days are more exhausting than others and I'm often in bed by 10 p.m., but I've accepted myself," Sikes said, talking to about 50 people in her session. "When you need help, talk to people and tell them. Don't be ashamed to admit you need help, or of who you are because we are all people and we all have dreams."

Sikes' dream is to become a counselor for children with special needs.

"Growing up, I had trouble accepting my disability. My parents, family and friends were always supportive, but I feel like if I'd had someone else to talk to who knew what I was going through, it would have helped," Sikes said. "I want to be that person for someone else."

In December, she'll leave her job and move to San Antonio, where she'll study psychology at UT-San Antonio. Though she's nervous, she knows she can't let anything hold her back.

"I always thought I'd live in Midland my whole life, but it's time to try something different and have the real college experience," said Sikes, who is both excited and terrified about the move.

Sikes will be living on campus, which is 30 minutes from her mom's house, and will be able to see her more frequently, something they're both excited about.

"Aside from my mom, my entire support system will still be in Midland, so that's scary. But it's time to try something new," Sikes said.

Sikes said the encouragement of her Trey Resources bosses, Dave and Mitzi Thomas, are integral in her decision to move forward to the next stage.

"They've been so helpful and wonderful to me, understanding that school always comes first and even helping me decide to go to UTSA. When they were there looking for their own daughter, they stopped by the disability office and got information for me. They've been a godsend," she said.

The difference between attending high school and college was a point Sikes stressed to students in attendance.

"College is not like high school. They don't do everything for you and automatically know you may have special needs," Sikes said. "You have to explain to them what you need and how you need help each semester."

Sikes stressed the importance of students being their own advocate.

Sherrie Sikes knows the struggles her daughter has faced trying to get modifications or notes from professors, because she can't take notes in class.

"Getting things modified and adapted for her is often like trying to get an act of Congress passed," Sherrie Sikes said.

However, Samantha Sikes said she's learned to listen well, read the textbooks for information and ask questions when necessary. Additionally, she said she makes friends in classes and ask them if they'll give her a copy of their notes.

Though some days may be more challenging than others, Sikes said she's working toward the ultimate goal of helping kids with special needs.

"I am different and I want to help people who are different," Sikes said.